The Patriot Center is a 10,000 seat arena in Fairfax, Virginia. It is located on the campus of George Mason University (which has 30,000+ students), and has attracted 7.7 million people to over 2400 events. Pollstar has ranked The Patriot Center as number 51 in ticket sales (2005). The Patriot Center opened on October 4, 1985, where the New York Knicks played the Washington Bullets (now Washington Wizards ) in a pre-season game. The arena is home to the George Mason University basketball teams, as well as concerts and shows with the 17,000 square feet (1,600 m2) of space.

The Patriot Center is the first university venue to be managed by a private company, Washington Sports and Entertainment, who also manages the Verizon Center in Washington D.C. In 1986, the Patriot Center hosted the first men’s CAA (Colonial Athletic Association) Tournament and hosted it’s first women’s CAA Tournament in 2005. In 1990, the Patriot Center held the NCAA Men’s Volleyball Championships.

Currently the arena is undergoing a $10 million renovation, which will include new concession stands, new hospitality area, new locker rooms and bathrooms, and an improved main concourse. The Patriot Center holds over 120 events and attracts over 450,000 people every year. This year GMU men’s basketball team set an attendance record against their rival Virginia Commonwealth University; the very next game against James Madison University, another record was set (both games were won). The Patriot Center also graduates many of Northern Virginia's high schools.

The Patriot Center hosted the sold-out UFC Fight Night: Maynard vs. Diaz on January 11, 2010. This was the first time that the UFC has staged an event in the state of Virginia.[2]